The 121st Original Santa Claus Parade marks the official start to the holiday season. The Parade will feature 28 stunning hand-painted and creatively themed floats. Fan favourites from Toronto include the Caribbean Carnival and the Indigenous Creation Story. The always popular Celebrity Clowns, talented marching bands and performers are set to captivate the hearts of parade-goers.
Following a resounding response to its rallying cry for funding last year, the much-loved Original Santa Claus Parade will return to Toronto on Sunday, November 23, 2025, for its 121st edition. Several fundraising initiatives will take place this year to support the Parade’s long-term sustainability. Check out collectible Parade merchandise from Peace Collectiv and back by popular demand – the 50/50 raffle
available at 5050santa.com.
Santa’s Secret Workshop
Last year I was able to visit Santa’s Secret Workshop, this year I was unable to be there.
Preparations are currently underway with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Parade team, including 2,000 volunteer elves, getting ready to greet more than 750,000 excited attendees. This cherished event continues to be North America’s largest children’s parade and Canada’s largest outdoor entertainment event.
Santa’s Parade Route
The Route will be the same as last year, starting at Christie Pits at 12:30 and ending at the St. Lawrence Market. The parade lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Check out the map to find a spot along the route, but be sure you find a good spot early, as spots along the route fill up quickly.
The Treats Zone: Dubbed the official pre-party of the Parade, these free festivities
will begin at 10:00 am at Christie Pits. Here, parade-goers can enjoy many fun activities. These include
letter-writing to Santa busloads of candy canes from Sharp Bus Lines. Make sure to get warm
Tim Hortons coffee and hot chocolate along with a photo moment by a giant Tims
cup. Attendees are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toy.
Don’t worry if you can’t attend the parade; it will be broadcast on CityTV and CityTV+. This will allow you to watch from the comfort of your home. The broadcast will be hosted by Breakfast Television’s Dina Pugliese, Tim Bolen, Rick Campanelli and Devo Brown. They will bring all the action from the parade route. You will be able to tune into Toronto’s Christmas Music station 98.1 CHFI for live radio coverage of the Parade. This will be hosted by Pooja Handa and Gurdeep Ahluwalia and non-stop Christmas music.
While we won’t be heading down to watch it, the parade will be on the TV while we decorate our apartment.
Santa and Mrs Claus Ho Ho Hope to see you there.
Mama Bear’s Haven is a Canadian lifestyle blog created by Tammy Bell in 2012. She loves cold brew tea, chocolate and taking pictures of nature.There's recipes, parenting tips and crafts.
